Payette River - North Fork - Idaho
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Payette River – North Fork - Water Flow Chart
Payette River – North Fork - Weather report & radar
Payette River – North Fork - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Afternoon | 18-22 | Black Beauty, Griffith’s Gnat |
| Stoneflies | Mid-day | 6-12 | Black Stimulator | |
| February | Midges | Afternoon | 18-22 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
| Stoneflies | Morning to afternoon | 6-12 | Black Stonefly Nymph | |
| March | Skwala Stoneflies | Afternoon | 10-14 | Skwala Adult, Pat’s Rubber Legs |
| Blue Wing Olives | Morning, Evening | 16-20 | Sparkle Dun, Pheasant Tail | |
| April | Blue Wing Olives | Morning, Evening | 16-20 | WD-40, RS2 |
| March Browns | Noon to afternoon | 12-14 | Parachute Adams, Hare’s Ear | |
| May | Salmonflies | Mid-day | 4-6 | Chubby Chernobyl, Pat’s Rubber Legs |
| Caddisflies | Evening | 14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis | |
| June | Golden Stoneflies | Mid-day | 6-10 | Stimulator, Pat’s Rubber Legs |
| Green Drakes | Noon | 8-10 | Green Drake Cripple, Pheasant Tail | |
| July | PMDs | Morning | 14-18 | Sparkle Dun, Pheasant Tail |
| Yellow Sallies | Afternoon | 14-16 | Yellow Sally Stimulator, Copper John | |
| August | Terrestrials | Afternoon | 10-14 | Hopper Patterns, Ant Patterns |
| Tricos | Morning | 18-24 | Trico Spinner, RS2 | |
| September | Terrestrials | Afternoon | 10-14 | Chubby Chernobyl, Foam Beetle |
| Blue Wing Olives | Morning, Evening | 18-22 | Mercer’s BWO, Pheasant Tail | |
| October | Blue Wing Olives | Afternoon | 18-22 | BWO Emerger, WD-40 |
| Midddges | Mid-day | 18-22 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat | |
| November | Midges | Afternoon | 18-22 | Black Beauty, Zebra Midge |
| Blue Wing Olives | Mid-day | 18-22 | BWO Emerger, WD-40 | |
| December | Midges | Afternoon | 18-22 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
| Winter Stoneflies | Morning to afternoon | 16-20 | Stonefly Nymph, Black Stimulator |
Payette River – North Fork Access Points
The North Fork of the Payette River offers prime spots for fly fishing. Consider these top access points:
- Banks: Join where the South and North Fork of the River meet. Easy access with plenty of parking.
- Confluence Park: Located in the heart of downtown McCall. Public dock and boat ramp available.
- Smiths Ferry: An excellent spot teeming with smallmouth bass. Accessible from Highway 55.
- Cascade Reservoir: Heavily stocked and home to many large fish. Boat ramps present.
- Goose Lake: Located off of Brundage Mountain Road. Perfect for stand-up paddleboarding and fly fishing.
You can enjoy an unmatchable fishing experience in the serene, gin-clear waters of these locations. Don’t forget your fishing license and ensure that you follow all local regulations.
Payette River – North Fork Fishing Spots
If you’re a fan of fly fishing, the North Fork of the Payette River is a must-visit. There are several exceptional spots to snag your catch:
- Main Street Bridge in Downtown McCall: Here, the river is primarily catch-and-release. Anglers praise its plentiful trout.
- Cascade Reservoir Outlet: This spot is great during spring and fall. Rainbow, brook, and cutthroat trout can be found.
- Smiths Ferry: This deeper portion of the river boasts mountain whitefish alongside trout.
- Upper North Fork: Located in the Payette National Forest, this stretch is home to both cutthroat and bull trout.
- Cabarton Bridge to Smiths Ferry: This 13-mile stretch is ideal for float fishing. There’s a chance for rainbow and brown trout here.
Remember, each spot is subject to seasonal and fishing regulations. Always obtain the necessary permits and adhere to local laws and guidance.
Payette River – North Fork Local Fish Species
- Salmonfly: An important hatch for many western rivers, the Salmonfly is a popular target for fly fishermen.
- Golden Stonefly: This type of stonefly is known for creating fast-paced fishing experiences when it begins to hatch.
- Rainbow Trout: The North Fork of the Payette River offers excellent opportunity to catch Rainbow Trout.
- Mountain Whitefish: Though often overlooked, the Mountain Whitefish is a common species in this river and offers great year-round fly fishing.
- Westslope Cutthroat Trout: A native trout to Idaho, this species can be found in abundance in the North Fork of the Payette River.
- Bull Trout: Bull Trout are a prized yet challenging catch and are often targeted by more experienced anglers.
- Chinook Salmon: Although not as commonly seen as in other parts of Idaho, Chinook Salmon can sometimes be caught in this river.
- Brook Trout: This species is also a favorite target for fly fishermen due to its size and aggressive nature.
About the Payette River – North Fork
The North Fork Payette River is a charming gem of Idaho’s wilderness. This invaluable water body has a rich and somewhat elusive history. Over time, it has carved its way through central Idaho, shaping the landscape.
The river boasts a significant background in the timber industry during the first half of the 20th century. The abundant pine, fir, and cedar trees nearby were logged and transported via the river’s network – a practical way to manage the robust timber industry.
- It’s also renowned for its white-water rapids, making it a popular destination for adrenaline-fueled adventurers.
- It has a stunning array of wildlife, from otters and beavers to ospreys and eagles, adding to its enduring appeal.
- Fishing enthusiasts also frequent the river due to its choosey trout populations.
Today, the North Fork Payette River remains a symbol of Idaho’s raw natural beauty and historical significance.
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